Greyhounds

[Psyfalcon]

Some hopefully semi coherent rambling on Greyhounds...

Breeding working dogs for show is bad. (me, and others)
Breeding and track running is bad. (Greyhounds rescues, etc)

With that, how would someone test a greyhound? To me, this is one of the breeds that truly requires a physical test, since they have such a singular origin, to chase down the rabbits. To me, the best test would either be actual Hare hunting or a well run coursing trial.

But, lets say for example, I wanted to become a breeder of Greyhound. I can move out west and course wild hares, or find a number of coursing trials. Still, you'd be faced with anti-hunting pressures, never mind more specific measures against hound hunting. Then you have to ask, is there enough public land free of insurance companies to run enough trials to really prove a dog?

Where would you get your breeding stock? I wouldn't want to start with the AKC, but rescue dogs come neutered. Now, I would have to buy an NGA hound, but isn't it dealing with the devil- The tracks and racing kennels?

Are greyhounds done as traditional coursers? If tracks are closed, is the greyhound done? I don't see how it can remain what it is as a performance dog.

Thoughts?

 

[FoxyWench]

there are many lure courses using stringed "bait" (usually a plastic bag) that a lot of greyhound people do up here in ct i know of 3, so i do think its possible to test a grey on a course wihtout having the risk of people saying true (live) coursing is bad and i think its a great way to test without seeing the dog on a track.
the same courses have been used for a veriety of sighthounds. and i know there are many widespread over the US and a few i know of in the UK, probably enough to truly "prove" your dog without having to hunt live.

as for where youd get your breeding stock, id look through the greyhound breed clubs for breeders that lurecourse their breedingstock as well as confirmation show (and of course all the nessicary health and temperment testing)

Im not sure if this adresses your concerns, im not that familiar with greyhounds other than those ive met through greyhound rescue for ex racers, but i had a few whippet friends before moving here that lurecoursed their whippets for trial and know theres a few courses here in the US too.

 

[Psyfalcon]

Just a reminder, this is all in theory, I've never actually met a greyhound for longer than 5 minutes. They are incredible at what they do though, so they keep my interest.

The problem I see with lure coursing (with the fake bait) is the set up. During my research I've seen a lot of concern over how the courses were being set up in relationship to how actual hares run. Some courses are not realistic and may increase the danger of injury. If I wanted to breed to the original purpose of running on hare, such a course would not be ideal.

As far as I can tell, in NJ there is only one organization that runs trials. I suppose its the same as showing with the traveling needed to win a title, but if the goal was performance, I would need a way to perform when not at a meet. Coursing isn't really possible in my backyard.

 

[bubbatd]

If you want to breed for racing ...I'd leave that up to the pros .If you just want a greyhound ... rescue . I'd think that buying and breeding greyhounds for racing , would be like someone wanting to buy a horses for racing ......mega bucks and lots of work .